Water Director explains situation at Asau, Savai’i

The Managing Director of Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A.), Seugamaali'i Jammie Saena has dismissed reports that government-funded water provided for the residents of Asau is contaminated.

The Director was responding to questions raised with her after some Asau residents contacted the Samoa Observer to express their concerns about the water they are receiving.

They claimed that the water was not clean and that it was contaminated. They went on to say that instead of S.W.A. fixing the problem, they were given a 30 per cent concession by the Authority.

The concerned residents asked for their names to be withheld because they feared repercussions from the government and the village.

Contacted for a comment yesterday, Seugamaali'i said the concerns are not true. She said contaminated water occurs only when the water is infected with e-coli bacteria, which comes from leaked septic’s or human waste.

“That is not the case in Asau,” she said. “We have conducted testing and the water is not contaminated in Asau.

“The Asau water supply has improved and come next month, Asau residents will be charged in accordance with normal water rates.”

The Managing Director added that the Asau borehole supplies the area which feeds Asau residents.

“Asau supply has now improved so we will start charging normal come next year,” said the Director.

She explained Auala, Papa, Sataua, Vaisala, Fagasa and Asau residents are the ones getting the 30 per cent concession due to high salinity levels.